Electrical wires, cigarettes, open flames cause most fires – BFP

Amid the surge in conflagrations recorded in December, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) noted that Filipinos needed to be made aware of the most common causes of fire in the country.

Interviewed on Balitanghali Weekend on Sunday, BFP Spokesperson Geranndie Agonos said the overloading of electrical wires was the most common cause of fire incidents in the Philippines.

The second most common cause was lit cigarette butts that were carelessly thrown about, followed by open flames such as candles or unattended open stoves.

“Makikita natin sa buwan ng December, ‘yung holiday celebrations sabay sabay po ‘yan na nagdiriwang ang mga kababayan natin,” Agonos said. “Sabay sabay nagluluto, sabay sabay gumagamit ng mga pailaw at karaniwang cause niyan ay overloading.”

At least seven fire incidents were reported across the country in December alone, including blazes that razed the National Children’s Hospital in Quezon City, a fast-food outlet, and a fireworks store in Bocaue. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News